Malaysian Prime Minister chairs National Security Council Meeting, After North Korea announcement not to allow Malaysians to leave

Najib chairs National Security Council meeting over North Korea's decision

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has chaired an emergency meeting of the National Security Council, in the wake of North Korea's decision to prevent Malaysians from leaving the country.

"Just arrived at the Royal Malaysian Air Force Subang air base from Jakarta. I am now chairing an emergency meeting of the National Security Council here," tweeted Najib on Tuesday.

Najib arrived at the Subang air base at 5.40pm after his visit to Jakarta to attend the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Summit concluded on Tuesday.

Immediately after arrival, Najib went on to chair the emergency meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) at the air base's conference room.

He uploaded a picture of the emergency meeting on his Twitter page that saw him at the head of the meeting table flanked by key Malaysian officials.

The Prime Minister in a statement called for North Korea to release all Malaysian citizens immediately to avoid any further escalation of the diplomatic row between the two countries.

“This abhorrent act, effectively holding our citizens hostage, is in total disregard of all international law and diplomatic norms," said Najib.

“As a peace-loving nation, Malaysia is committed to maintaining friendly relations with all countries. However, protecting our citizens is my first priority, and we will not hesitate to take all measures necessary when they are threatened,” he added in a statement Tuesday.

In response to North Korea's decision, Najib announced that all North Koreans working with the nation's embassy in Malaysia have been prevented from leaving the country until the safety and security of all Malaysians in North Korea have been assured.

Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/03/07/najib-chairs-national-security-council-meeting-over-north-korea-decision/#QuwCFJtwlSZ9WfLY.99